Lunch Talk Lunch Talk “Bullying” at the UMM, 5 March 2026 (12am-2pm)
On International Women's Day, gender equality advocates at Mannheim University Hospital are sending a clear message against psychological violence: On 5 March 2026, the Equal Opportunities Office of the Mannheim Medical Faculty, in cooperation with the Equal Opportunities Officer of the Mannheim University Hospital, is organising a lunch talk on the topic of ‘Psychological violence in the working and learning environment – recognising, stopping and preventing bullying’.
Bullying is not a ‘private matter’ – and neither is every difference of opinion. It refers to repeated, systematic disparagement, exclusion or deliberate obstruction that can impair dignity, health and ability to work. Typically, bullying often begins insidiously: consistent ignoring, withholding information, continued unfair blame, embarrassment, rumours or digital attacks via email and messenger. Bullying can affect anyone – regardless of gender, age or position. From an equality perspective, however, there are also situations in which women are disadvantaged in their development – for example, through disparagement, exclusion from (in)formal networks or the blocking of promotion opportunities.
A lunch talk with broad knowledge transfer
The Lunch Talk combines a compact, fact-based keynote speech with the presentation of specific local support and complaint channels. Participants will learn clear criteria and reliable guidance for their everyday work and study life – and, above all, how to distinguish bullying from ‘normal’ conflicts. The focus is on practical legal guidance: lawyer Katharina Pfenninger classifies bullying from an employment and criminal law perspective and outlines the steps and procedures available to those affected – from initial options for action to formal proceedings, including realistic expectations. In addition, Andrea Dalmer (Employee Counselling Service, Mannheim University Hospital) will present support services and explain how those affected can be advised and accompanied (guidance, relief, next steps). Charlotte von Knobelsdorff (UNIFY, Heidelberg University) will present counselling and prevention approaches in the university context as well as confidential guidance and structured clarification processes.
Finally, representatives of the staff council (for employees/members of the medical faculty) and the works council (for hospital employees) will introduce themselves. They will explain what those affected can specifically expect from these central points of contact: the basis on which they act, what typical procedures look like and how support is provided in practice. Afterwards, there will be time for discussion and questions.
All interested parties are cordially invited to attend the Lunch Talk at UMM Mannheim.
There is no charge for participation.
Participation in the Lunch Talk is possible in person (UMM hospital campus, Building 12, Lecture Hall 5) or online.